Piano

In high school and college, I was a serious trumpet player. I played in about seven different bands, ranging from jazz to latin to classical. I practiced every day and also went to full time music school for two summers.

I also played piano (and then bass).

At UMASS, we had an incredible jazz band. Of particular note was our pianist. I forget her name, but she was classically trained and could tear up a piano at a million miles an hour.

One day before an upcoming jazz festival and competition with other colleges, we were to practice Angel Eyes, but our pianist was out sick.

Our instructor said "Paul, you play keys too, right?" and she had me sit in.

The vocalist was an older student with a fantastic voice and interpretation. He looked dubious when I sat down, but we worked it out. (I thought in comparison to the pianist that I must have sounded like I was playing with mittens on.)

The following week, the competition came. The pianist was back, but to everyone's surprise, the vocalist asked if I could accompany him. The pianist was shocked.

I was maybe 10% as good a pianist as her, but there was one difference. She played to show off. I played to highlight the singer.